Samsung Confirms VR Headset Launch

On 9th June, Samsung confirmed that it is developing a Virtual Reality headset. While the hardware of the device is being developed by Samsung exclusively, the software is being developed in collaboration with Oculus VR, the makers of the Oculus Rift VR headset for gaming. The device, to be called the Gear VR, will be launched alongside the Galaxy Note 4 at IFA 2014. Here’s a list of what you can expect from this device:

Rather than being a standalone VR headset, the Gear VR will have a modular design that will allow docking in of a Galaxy device into the VR device using USB 3.0.

The VR effect will be produced through head tracking. But instead of sensors built into the headset, head motion will be tracked by making use of the phone’s accelerometer, gyroscope, and processing power.

Use of AMOLED display technology is guaranteed to give users an excellent and immersive visual experience.

The Gear VR should be much more comfortable to wear than Google’s Cardboard VR headset, all thanks to the elastic head band and soft padded cushions on either side of the device.

A see-through button on the right side of the Gear VR, which makes use of the smartphone’s rear camera sensor to provide users with a video feed of the outside world, omits the need to repeatedly remove and re-wear the headset – giving the Gear VR an edge over alternatives from the likes of Sony or Oculus.

A touchpad located under the see-through button will enable the user to navigate through the UI on the Galaxy smartphone.

Just like it did with its Gear smartwatches, Samsung will be dedicating an entire section of Samsung Apps for the Gear VR.

By the looks of it, the device’s design is such that it should allow Samsung to cut down manufacturing costs massively and introduce the Gear VR at a low price. However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. After all, it’s Samsung. And Samsung doesn’t really have a propensity for equipping its first product in a new category with a less-than-expensive price tag.